What This Service Involves
Installing a skylight means cutting an opening through your roof's sheathing and framing, then setting the unit with proper flashing and underlayment to block water intrusion.
We start with a structural inspection of the roof deck, then cut through asphalt shingles, felt, and plywood carefully.
Every opening requires step flashing where the skylight meets the surrounding roof, plus counter-flashing to direct water safely away.
We seal all joints with roofing-grade sealant and apply ice-and-water shield on critical areas for added protection against Hillsborough's winter ice dam risks.
The work extends to your attic: we install proper insulation around the frame and verify ventilation isn't blocked.
Modern units like VELUX fixed skylights or Solatube sun tunnels come with their own waterproofing systems, but our flashing work is what keeps them from leaking.
Types of Skylights We Install
- Fixed skylights let in daylight without opening—ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, or living rooms on the roofline.
- Vented skylights open for passive cooling, useful in humid summers when airflow helps manage moisture and heat.
- Solar-powered blinds with skylights provide control over brightness and heat gain, especially during Hillsborough's hot season.
- Sun tunnels (rigid or flexible ducts) route light deep into your home without cutting through rafters or trusses.
Signs You Need Skylight Installation or Repair
A leaking skylight often shows up as brown stains on ceilings, water marks on insulation, or soft spots in the roof deck below the opening.
Deteriorated flashing, cracked glazing, or failed sealant around the frame all demand professional attention to prevent rot in structural members.
Many Hillsborough homeowners add skylights to update older ranch or split-level homes from the 1950s-1970s that lack natural light.
Colonial-style homes built in recent subdivisions sometimes have undersized or poorly positioned units that owners want enhanced.
- Active leaks during rain or snowmelt indicate failed counter-flashing or compromised sealant that needs immediate repair.
- Visible daylight through the roof around the frame means the glazing seal is broken and water will follow.
- Discoloration on the underside of roofline sheathing suggests water wicking along the decking and accumulating inside.
- Condensation fogging the unit in winter means the glazing seal failed or insulation lacks proper vapor barrier.
- Gaps between the frame and surrounding shingles show flashing pull-away from settling, high winds, or thermal movement.
- Moss or algae growth on the dome indicates moisture retention and poor drainage around the flashing.
Our Installation Process
We start with a roof inspection and damage documentation. Next, we mark the opening location from inside, accounting for rafters, joists, and plumbing in the attic.
All work follows local building code standards for waterproofing and structural support.
Our crew removes shingles and felt around the planned opening, then uses a roofing shovel and saw to cut through plywood sheathing carefully.
We install a header or beam if the opening spans multiple rafters, ensuring the roof deck has proper support.
The unit goes in next.
We apply roofing cement and self-adhered flashing to the curb, then install step flashing on all four sides where the skylight meets surrounding shingles.
Counter-flashing goes under the step flashing to direct water outward—this detail prevents 90% of leaks.
Finally, we re-nail shingles over the flashing using ring-shank nails, seal all fasteners, and inspect for gaps.
The underside gets insulation wrap and a properly positioned vapor barrier. Total time: typically one day for a standard unit.
Cost Considerations in Hillsborough
Material costs for a mid-range VELUX or Solatube unit run $400–$800 installed. Labor adds another $300–$600 depending on roof pitch, complexity of framing, and flashing details.
Most jobs fall in the $700–$1,200 range for a single unit.
The price varies if new framing is needed, if the roof deck requires plywood replacement, or if fascia and soffit need repairs.
Storm damage or ice dam damage may qualify for insurance coverage if combined with other roof work.
- Material cost: $400–$800 depending on brand, size, and glazing type (single vs. double-pane).
- Labor: $300–$600 for standard installation on a pitched residential roof.
- Flashing and underlayment: $150–$250 for high-quality step and counter-flashing systems.
- Building permit (Hillsborough area): typically $50–$150, often included in estimates.
- Additional framing: $200–$400 if header installation or rafter work is needed.
- Cleanup and debris removal: included in our service.
Warranty & Insurance Protection
VELUX units carry a 10-year manufacturer warranty on glazing and frame defects. Solatube products include similar coverage on internal components.
Our workmanship warranty covers flashing, sealant, and installation for 5 years against water intrusion or failed seals.
If your damage resulted from storm activity (hail, high wind, tree impact), document it immediately.
We'll inspect, provide a damage report with photos, and work directly with your insurance adjuster to file a claim.
Most storm damage claims cover flashing repairs and full replacement under standard homeowners policies.
Why Choose Hillsborough Roofing Pros
We know the specific roofing profiles of mid-century ranches in Clover Hill and newer colonials in Country Club Estates.
Our crew understands how Hillsborough's winter ice dams affect roofline flashing and how spring thunderstorms with hail impact units installed on steeper roof pitches common around Blackpoint and Neshanic Station.
Every project includes a comprehensive roof inspection, transparent pricing with no surprises, and Trusted workmanship backed by written warranty.
We pull all necessary permits and coordinate directly with you about timing and cleanup.
Call 908-663-0781 for a free estimate—no pressure, just honest answers about whether your unit needs repair or replacement.
Signs You Need Skylight Installation
Water Stains on Ceiling or Attic Framing
Brown marks or soft spots in insulation around the unit indicate water is wicking through the roof deck or underlayment.
This damage accelerates rot in rafters and joists, especially after Hillsborough's heavy snow and ice dam conditions thaw in spring.
Visible Daylight Around the Skylight Frame
If you can see light seeping where the unit meets the shingles, the flashing is pulled away or the sealant has failed.
Water will follow immediately during rain or during the freeze-thaw cycles common in Hillsborough winters.
Condensation or Frost Inside the Unit
Interior fogging means the glazing seal is compromised or the vapor barrier under the frame is missing.
In Hillsborough's humid summers, this condensation promotes mold and decking rot unless addressed quickly.
Gaps Between Frame and Surrounding Shingles
Over time, thermal movement and house settling create separation between the counter-flashing and roof line.
Hillsborough's temperature swings from winter cold to humid summer heat can widen these gaps significantly.
Moss or Algae Growth on the Dome
Green or black growth indicates moisture is pooling or draining poorly around the frame.
Hillsborough's humid summers accelerate algae growth on flat or low-slope units with poor drainage.
Cracked or Discolored Glazing
Impact damage from hail or tree branches, or UV degradation from years of sun exposure, cracks the glass or acrylic pane.
Hillsborough's spring thunderstorms with hail are a common cause of sudden unit failures.
What's Included
- ✓ Free roof inspection to identify existing damage or structural issues before installation begins.
- ✓ Photo documentation of the work site and completed installation for your records.
- ✓ Manufacturer warranty registration for your VELUX or Solatube unit.
- ✓ Complete cleanup including magnetic nail sweep and debris removal in dumpster.
- ✓ Building permit pulled and filed with Hillsborough township or municipality.
- ✓ Flashing and underlayment installation meeting all local building code requirements.
- ✓ 5-year workmanship guarantee covering sealant, flashing, and installation quality.
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